Judge Says Homicide Suspect Can Attend Religious Services

By Anthoine Godin - March 15, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On March 14,  DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a defendant’s request to modify pretrial release conditions in a 2022 homicide case.

 Jose Ramos, 36, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 58-year old Eduardo Cruz on Jan. 25, 2022, on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue NW. 

Under his current pretrial release conditions, Ramos is confined to his home other than for his job. Ramos has been on pretrial release since Dec. 19, 2023. 

Rachel McCoy, Ramos’ defense attorney, motioned for a modification of Ramos’ pretrial terms. McCoy pointed out that Ramos has been in complete compliance for three months and requested he be put on GPS monitoring with a strict curfew. 

In opposition the modification, the prosecution reminded the court that this was a homicide case and that Ramos “should only be allowed to work” requesting Ramos’ release conditions remain the same. 

In concurrence, Judge Epstien stated there was “no change in material circumstance” and denied Ramos’ request for GPS monitoring. 

However, the judge did grant Ramos’ request to attend religious services on Fridays giving him a three hour window to do so. 

In addition to modifying release conditions, the parties also set a new trial date for Ramos. The trial will now be held June 23, 2025. 

Parties are slated to return for a trial readiness hearing Nov. 15.